Which dehumidifier for your basement?
Which dehumidifier to choose for your basement?
A damp basement can cause quite a few problems. From musty odours to mould it is not only annoying but also very unhealthy. But fortunately you can tackle this perfectly with a dehumidifier. Below, we explain step by step which dehumidifier is best for your basement.
Why is my basement getting so damp?
Because basements are underground, they are naturally damp. The walls in a basement are often cold and therefore attract moisture, also due to usually poor ventilation, the moisture lingers in the basement. In winter and summer, this is often made worse by the large difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures.
Activities such as washing, drying or storing wet items also make the situation worse. In addition, we also have the high Dutch humidity, this does not help either!
NB: High humidity above 60% for an extended period can lead to mould growth, rotting wood and therefore unhealthy living conditions. That is why it is important to do something about it quickly.
Why a dehumidifier for your basement?
A dehumidifier literally removes excess moisture from the air. It actually works quite simply: air is drawn through the device, moisture is extracted (often by condensation), and dry air comes out again.
Advantages of a dry basement:
- No more mould: Mould cannot grow in a dry environment
- Musty smell disappears: That typical basement smell is a thing of the past
- Stuff stays dry: Cardboard boxes, clothes and furniture last longer
- Healthier climate: Reduced risk of respiratory diseases
- Higher home value: A dry basement is a plus when selling
What should you look for when choosing a dehumidifier for the basement?
Size of your basement: This is perhaps most important. Every dehumidifier has a maximum capacity it can handle. Measure your basement (length × width × height) to calculate its volume. A dehumidifier with a capacity which is too small is less likely to give the desired effect on optimal humidity in the basement.
Useful calculation example: A basement 4 metres long, 3 metres wide and 2.2 metres high = 4 × 3 × 2.2 = 26.4 m³. So choose a dehumidifier suitable for at least 30 m³ to have some reserve.
Moisture removal: The collected moisture has to go somewhere. You usually have two options:
1. Water tank: Handy, but you need to empty it regularly
2. Continuous drainage: Via a hose to a drain - very handy if you have a sink or drain nearby
Noise level: If your basement is right below the living room, you don't want the dehumidifier to be disruptive at night. Modern dehumidifiers are usually quiet (around 40 to 45 dB), but it's good to check this out.
Energy consumption: A dehumidifier often runs for hours a day. Look at the power rating (in watts) and preferably choose an energy-efficient model. This makes a big difference to your energy bill.
Dehumidification capacity: Dehumidifier with high dehumidification capacity offers the fastest results to optimal humidity.
Additional features: Modern dehumidifiers often have useful extras such as:
• Automatic start/stop: Turns on and off based on humidity
• Timer: Can be programmed
• Air purification: Also removes dust and allergens from the air
• App operation: Control from your phone
What is the best dehumidifier for the basement?
| Model |
Suitable for |
Dehumidification capacity |
| CA-704 |
40m² / 100m³
Perfect for small basements |
Dehumidifier with a dehumidification capacity of 12 litres per day (30°C / rH80%) |
| CA-704 SmartSMART |
40m² / 100m³
Perfect for small basements |
Dehumidifier with a dehumidification capacity of 10 litres per day (30°C / rH80%) |
| CA-705 SmartSMART |
50m² / 125m³
Small to medium basements |
Dehumidifier with a dehumidification capacity of 16 litres per day (30°C / rH80%) |
| CA-706 SmartSMART |
70m² / 175m³
Medium to large basements |
Dehumidifier with a dehumidification capacity of 20 litres per day (30°C / rH80%) |
| CA-707BESTSELLER |
70m² / 175m³
Medium to large basements |
Dehumidifier with a dehumidification capacity of 20 litres per day (30°C / rH80%) |
| CA-707 SmartSMART |
70m² / 175m³
Medium to large basements |
Dehumidifier with a dehumidification capacity of 20 litres per day (30°C / rH80%) |
| CA-708 SmartSMART |
90m² / 225m³
Large basements & underground areas |
Dehumidifier with a dehumidification capacity of 25 litres per day (30°C / rH80%) |
Practical tips for optimal use of your dehumidifier
Where to place the dehumidifier:
- Circulation: where air can circulate well
- Away from walls: keep at least 30 cm distance from the wall
- Stable surface: make sure the dehumidifier cannot vibrate or fall over
- Accessible: you need easy access for maintenance
Dehumidifier maintenance tips:
- Change the filters every 2 months
- Empty the water tank regularly or connect the drain hose
- Vacuum clean the grilles regularly
Optimal settings: For basements, we recommend humidity levels between 45 and 55%. This is dry enough to prevent mould, but not so dry that it becomes uncomfortable. You can set most modern dehumidifiers to this level.
Our recommendation for basement dehumidifiers
All Clean Air Optima® dehumidifiers are 2-in-1 devices that both dehumidify and clean the air. The dehumidifiers CA-705 Smart, CA-706 Smart and CA-708 Smart have a large 6.5-litre water tank and a drain hose, perfect for basements where you don't want to visit daily.
For most basements, we recommend:
The dehumidifier CA-707: our bestseller with proven quality. Suitable for basements up to 175m³, has the largest number of positive reviews and offers excellent value for money.
For large basements: The dehumidifier CA-708 Smart - perfectly suited, the most powerful dehumidifier for rooms up to 225m³.
So which dehumidifier should I buy for the basement?
A damp basement can be annoying and unhealthy. A dehumidifier in the basement creates a dry and healthy space where you can store things safely and where you can be comfortable.
Most importantly, choose a dehumidifier that is powerful enough and has enough capacity for the basement. All Clean Air Optima dehumidifiers are 2-in-1 devices that both dehumidify and purify the air, which is a big advantage over ordinary dehumidifiers.
Still unsure which dehumidifier is best for your basement? Then use our comparison tool above or contact us for personalised advice. We are happy to help you make the right dehumidifier choice for your basement!
Frequently asked questions
How much power does a basement dehumidifier consume?
Average between 100 to 350 watts per hour, depending on the model and settings.
Can I run the dehumidifier 24/7 in the basement?
Yes, modern dehumidifiers are suitable for running continuously in the basement. They switch off automatically when the desired humidity is reached and turn on again when needed.
What is the difference between Smart and regular models?
Smart dehumidifiers can be controlled via an app on your phone, often have more automatic functions and provide better air quality information. For basements, this is very handy because you don't have to keep going down to check.
How often should I empty the water tank during basement use?
This depends on the humidity in your basement. In the beginning (first weeks) often daily, then usually every 2-3 days. A continuous drain is therefore useful for basements, so you don't have to keep checking.
Which dehumidifier for a small basement?
For small basements up to 100m³, we recommend the CA-704 Smart. For basements up to 125m³, the CA-705 Smart is suitable.
Can these dehumidifiers also clean air in the basement?
Yes! All Clean Air Optima models are 2-in-1 devices. They not only dehumidify, but also purify the air to free it of dust, allergens and musty basement odours. This is a big advantage over ordinary dehumidifiers.
What if my basement is very damp?
For extreme humidity (above 80%), we recommend addressing the cause first (leaks, poor ventilation). A dehumidifier will help then, but you will also need to tackle the source. In that case, choose a powerful dehumidifier such as the CA-708 Smart.
